Sylvie Meis: “Now I can finally afford to be authentic”

Sylvie Meis makes herself strong: She advocates an open approach to beauty treatments – and sets a good example herself. In an interview with GALA, she talks about her filler treatments and why she can finally afford to be authentic.

Sylvie Meis, 43, revealed her beauty secret exactly a year ago: she relies on treatments with fillers based on hyaluronic acid. In the panel talk “Women and Beauty – Freedom or Dictation?”, The presenter did not expect that she set off a veritable avalanche. But her honesty has paid off: in an interview, the 43-year-old reveals why she is finally allowed to be herself again and how she encourages other women to speak openly about beauty treatments.

Sylvie Meis in a GALA interview

GALA: You announced your beauty treatments a year ago. Why did you choose this point in time?
Sylvie Meis: During my career I have been confronted with the way I look a lot. There were always voices that said “Oh Sylvie, you are so perfect”. And at the same time there were also the voices that said “Is it all real?” With every year that I got older, not only did these headlines intensify – they were also extremely negative at some point. That hit me, of course. Especially during the time when I had those puffy eyes and wasn’t sure why. Even my doctors were at a loss and kept saying that I need patience, that it could be a lymphatic congestion or after-effects of chemotherapy. Basically, however, it was old filler that was encapsulated and drew water. This selfie with Bonez MC (editor’s note: German rapper) triggered so much back then.

The first time I saw how unbelievably mean the media can be when it comes to the fact that you just weren’t photographed perfectly.

Sylvie Meis: “That really left its mark on my soul”

Then I met the doctor I trusted and I felt downright liberated. I really felt like a new person. During this time, Juvéderm asked me as a brand ambassador.

Did you accept immediately?
To be honest, I was already unsure, especially because of the dramatic experience and the negative headlines about my puffy eyes. It really left its mark on my soul. And I didn’t know whether I was ready to get myself into this situation and make it public: “Yes, I had something done.”

But you have decided to do it and have shown courage in doing so.
… but shortly before the announcement, I was so nervous! Because anything could have happened: either people admire me for my courage, or they say something like: “You see, we knew it, it is artificial.” Fortunately, it was mostly positive. It showed me that being open and honest always brings you further.

I can finally afford to be authentic now, to be myself.

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Do you think all women should talk openly about beauty treatments?
Freedom is important here. Every woman should make her own decision and that should be respected. I don’t think it’s bad that I haven’t said it for almost ten years – that was my decision then and I still stand by it today. You have to remember: It is not easy to age in front of the camera, to be photographed by paparazzi again and again – regardless of the situation or phase of life you are in.

Why do you think it is that some women talk more openly about fillers and cosmetic surgery than others?
How openly someone can deal with the topic certainly also depends on their generation. But also from Northern European culture: We judge faster, are sometimes more envious, express more criticism – especially women among themselves, which I find a shame. There are many factors that ultimately determine whether a woman likes her beauty treatments or not.

So it’s all the more beautiful that you support women in many points and call for female empowerment: be it in matters of health, in relation to career or, as now, to an open approach to your own beauty. In the past, would you have wished for more support from women?
Absolutely. And even today I still want it: Because although we are currently working so much for tolerance and acceptance, this does not apply to women who somehow deviate from a norm, speak out in favor of something, are different or imperfect, unfortunately not. Instead, they have to justify themselves and explain why they are not perfect or have certain beauty treatments done. I sometimes find that not particularly fair.

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In contrast, that doesn’t seem to be a particularly big issue for men.
Absolutely! Because men who, for example, rely on beauty treatments with fillers based on hyaluronic acid, even say so with a smile. They don’t make an issue out of it, and more importantly, they don’t judge anyone.

How can you imagine the beauty culture in the Meis family?
My mother has never had anything done in her life, except maybe a facial. For that matter, I’m not following my mother’s example.

I also didn’t tell my parents about all of the treatments that I had.

My mom is very happy that I don’t have huge lips, but that I still look natural.

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They live according to the motto “Be the best version of yourself”. Are you feeling in your best version right now?
I would say yes. I have found the way to optimize both my face and my body without losing myself in it or having to be too strict.

I’ve found my way in beauty and that makes me happy.

After all, that’s what it’s all about. Classic measures such as weight, symmetry, muscles, etc. can always be achieved in some way. But it’s always about how you feel and what kind of charisma you have. I know a lot of women who are apparently beautiful and perfect, but don’t feel that way on the inside. And I am of the opinion that you can only lead your best life when you have come to terms with yourself and also feel beautiful on the inside.

Sources used: own interview

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